Texas Woman Accused of Stealing $570,000 in Bitcoin – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

A 38-year-old Grand Prairie woman is facing an indictment in Dallas County for the theft of more than $300,000 in Bitcoin.

According to court documents obtained by NBC 5, Dallas Police said that in January 2021, Joann Vasquez was in possession of $570,000 worth of Bitcoin acquired through account passwords stolen from a home.

Police said they were called to a home in the 3800 block of Gaspar Drive in Dallas on Jan. 25 after a resident reported finding a broken window and signs of a burglary.

Among the missing items was a safe containing passwords for Bitcoin accounts. During a follow-up investigation with the homeowner, investigators learned that the passwords were used to access accounts and transfer $570,000 in Bitcoin.

Investigators said surveillance video recorded at the residence showed a man forcing open the gate and entering the backyard just before noon on Jan. 24. The man was seen on the video looking through a glass door before walking out of sight.

Police said the man reappeared about half an hour later and left the home through the back door carrying a Roomba, gun and a duffel bag that appeared to have a safe inside.

The man, later identified by police as Michael Jason Neria, was arrested on March 3, 2021 at the Winstar Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma on outstanding burglary warrants from Frisco, Irving and Dallas. Police said he was suspected of participating in nearly two dozen burglaries with several other known suspects.

In an interview with a detective, police said Neria waived her rights and provided details about the burglary. One of the burglaries was at the home on Gaspar Drive.

Police said Neria confessed that Vasquez had all but $100,000 of the Bitcoin funds and was in control of the account and passwords and knew the money came from the burglary.

In the arrest document, police said Vasquez was observed on video using his Texas driver’s license to withdraw money from a Bitcoin ATM after the burglary.

NBC 5 News/Dallas County Jail

Police said that while he was in custody, Neria Vasquez called and asked for money from the Bitcoin accounts to be sent to his account, and the money arrived a short time later. Officers said they were able to recover $100,000 from Neria, leaving about $470,000 unaccounted for. Investigators said they believe Vasquez is in possession of the accounts that control the rest of the Bitcoin.

Investigators said Vasquez withdrew nearly $9,400 from Bitcoin ATMs during four visits between January 25, 2021 and February 1, 2021.

Vasquez was booked into the Dallas County Jail on Tuesday. A bond amount has not yet been set, and it is not clear if she has obtained an attorney.